Wake-Up Call for US Men’s Basketball Team Arrives With Paris Olympics a Few Days Away

United States Coach Steve Kerr instructs his players during a men's basketball exhibition game against South Sudan in London on July 20, 2024. Kin Cheung/AP Photo

South Sudan is the 33rd-ranked team in the FIBA world rankings, by far the lowest of any of the 12 nations that will be vying for men’s basketball gold in the Paris Olympics that start this week.

The U.S. is ranked No. 1.